Arrests as right and left-wing groups clash with police in Portland

The aim of the rally is supposedly to urge the government to declare the antifa movement as a domestic terror organization.

AUGUST 18, 2019 17:21

Antifa protestors in Washington D.C, 2017 (photo credit: FLICKR) — Antifa protestors in Washington D.C, 2017

(photo credit: FLICKR)

Police in Portland, Oregon, said that they arrested at least 13 people on Saturday afternoon in an attempt to maintain peace between rival demonstrations held by far-right demonstrators and far-left members of the "Antifa" [anti-fascist] movement.

Writing on their official Twitter feed, Portland police said plastic water bottles were being thrown at them as they attempted to make an arrest; several demonstrators were injured and taken to hospital.

Portland demonstrations lead to at least 13 arrests as Portland Police attempt to keep groups separate and people safe. Watch this Twitter feed for video updates & the latest official news. #ppbalert
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 17, 2019

Police also announced that weapons were seized from demonstrators, including bear spray and shields.

#ppbalert Officers have seized weapons from multiple groups, including bear spray, shields, and metal and wooden poles. pic.twitter.com/NY2KEK8c8Y
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 17, 2019

The rally was organized mainly by Joe Biggs of the right-wing group Proud Boys, American media sources stated.

The aim of the rally was supposedly to urge the government to declare the antifa movement as a domestic terror organization.

The movement is composed of left-wing, autonomous, militant, anti-fascist groups and individuals in the US.

President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday morning that he is considering designating Antifa a domestic terror group.

"Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an ‘ORGANIZATION OF TERROR,’” Trump said. “Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!”

Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an “ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.” Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2019

Members of the right-wing American Guard and Three Percenters have also said that they will attend. The American Guard is a group with connections to anti-immigrant extremism, hatred and violence. Three Percenters is a militia group whose members pledge protest and armed resistance against attempts to curtail certain constitutional rights.